Multi-purpose sports facility gets go-ahead

Dubai: The Government of Dubai has given its approval for a new multi-purpose sports facility to be housed alongside the Dubai Club for Special Needs (DCSN) in Al Ghusais.

The facility, to be part of the Dubai Club for Special Needs, will be built at a cost of approximately Dh36 million and will include an athletics track and a football ground with a permanent seating capacity of 2,000 spectators. The clubhouse will have a gymnasium, jacuzzi and locker rooms, which will also cater to people with special needs.

“The idea is to have a facility that will benefit all of Dubai,” Thani Juma Berregad, chairman, DCSN told Gulf News.

The authorities from DCSN have been in consultation with officials from the Dubai Municipality and a final meeting for the design and structure of the facility is scheduled to be held in the next few days.

“Dubai Municipality has already demarcated the area and another meeting will decide on smaller aspects related to the project,” Berregad said.

The Dubai Government has set a deadline of late 2014 or early 2015 for the completion of the project.

“The use of this multi-purpose facility will not be restricted only for people with special needs. We are looking at the bigger picture, wherein we can have outstation teams come and use the club as part of their training programmes. In addition, we hope to attract the local sports community within Dubai to utilise our facilities,” Berregad said.

The official was confident that such a facility would assist in promoting sports within local communities in the emirate. “The end purpose is to be part of the growth process of sport,” he added.